Blog

Skin Problems in Dogs

May 15, 2015

Does your dog often scratch himself? Do you sometimes catch Fido chewing his skin or rubbing his face with his paws? If so, your furry pal might have skin problems. Skin trouble is actually quite common among our canine pals. There are over 160 types of skin problems that can affect dogs. Bacterial dermatitis, yeast dermatitis, and canine atopic dermatitis, or allergies, are a few common ones. A Sharon veterinarian discusses Fido’s skin troubles in this article.

Symptoms of Skin Problems

Fido will likely be itchy if he is having skin issues. He may scratch or paw himself, or beg you to help him out with some scratching. You may notice flakiness, crustiness, redness, rashes, or irritation on his skin. Some skin conditions will result in fur loss, so you may even see bald spots on your pooch.

Allergies

Just like people, dogs can develop allergies to certain substances. Pollen, chemicals, ingredients in doggy shampoo, flea control products, and insects are a few common examples. Fido can also be allergic to specific foods, including ingredients often found in commercial pet food, such as wheat or corn.

Genetic Issues

Certain breeds of dogs can be prone to developing specific skin problems. The Cocker Spaniel, for instance, often develops malassezia, a yeast infection. Skin problems caused by hormonal imbalances can also be hereditary.

Parasites

Sometimes parasites, such as fleas or mites, can be the source of Fido’s itching. Keep your pup on parasite prevention, and make sure to bathe him regularly. Wash his bedding at least monthly to prevent fleas from hatching in his bed and to kill bacteria.

What To Do

If your dog is having trouble with his skin, contact your vet immediately. Because there are so many different possible causes, it may take several tests to pinpoint the exact problem. Some of Fido’s skin problems are chronic, which means that, although they can be managed, they can never be completely cured. Once Fido’s trouble has been identified, your vet will be able to recommend treatment options. It may take a little trial and error to find out what course of action will work best for your furry pal. In some cases, medication, such as steroid creams, will do the trick. Your pup may also need to be put on a specific diet.